13 things to do on a rainy day in the CBD

Brisbane averages 300 days of sunshine per year. On the off chance that your day off falls on one of the remaining 82 days, despair not because we've found 13 things to do in the City on on a rainy day.

1. Indulge a little

Coppa Spuntino

We all overindulge a little (a lot) on rainy days, so continue the pattern and try some of the City's best comfort food. Few things are as indulgent as Italian food - head to Coppa Spuntino on Creek St or OTTO Brisbane at 480 Queen St for a cheeky red wine and plates to share. For Mexican flavours with a margarita on the side, try Chingon Cantina y Taqueria in Eagle Lane and choose from seven fillings served in a handmade tortilla. If you're on a tight budget, check out our list of best cheap eats in the City.

2. See a film

Popcorn, frozen coke and a movie at Event Cinemas in the Myer Centre is surely enough to make you forget about the miserable weather outside. Check out the Event Cinemas website to see what's playing. For an opulent, vintage vibe head to the Elizabeth Picture Theatre. Housed in a heritage-listed building with reclining seats and a bar, it's the perfect place to settle in on a rainy day.

3. Head to the museum

Museum of Brisbane

There's plenty to see and do inside Brisbane City Hall. Head to the Museum of Brisbane on Level 3 and check out one of its exhibitions (the 100% Brisbane exhibit is great), or take a guided tour of City Hall. There's also the Clock Tower Tour that takes you up in an old hand-operated lift and offers a birds-eye view of the city.

4. Hit the mall

Brisbane CBD is home to more than 1000 stores, with Queen Street Mall host to about 700. Yes, that may sound a little daunting but never fear, follow our comprehensive guide to shopping in Queen Street Mall and you shouldn't get lost.

5. Aim for strikes not spares

After a quick bite to eat from Grill'd, head across the way to Strike for a round of bowling with friends or to fine tune your skills. Strike also hosts laser tag battles for those who like their competition a little more intense.

6. Sing the rain away

Live out your dreams of singing your heart and soul out to Mariah or Whitney at one of the City's karaoke spots. Fat Louie's and Magic City offer private karaoke rooms so the only people to hear you are those that love you the most, or embrace your inner diva at Strike Bowling Bar. Karaoke is basically a synonym for fun, so it's hard to go wrong.

7. Get bookish

Archives

There's nothing like holing up with a good book on a rainy day, and the City is home to some excellent bookstores. Visit Folio Books on Mary St for that special find on just about any topic imaginable, or head to Dymocks and explore its extensive collection spread across two floors. For that special find, head to Archives on Charlotte St, one of the largest second-hand bookstores in the world.

8. High tea

Room with Roses

From quaint to ritzy, the City is home to a fine variety of high tea settings. For the more traditional high tea, try the elegant Customs House, the beloved Room with Roses or the delightful Shingle Inn City Hall. Many of the city's hotel restaurants also offer high tea, including the Sofitel, the Stamford Plaza, the Treasury Heritage Hotel, the Hilton's Vintaged Bar and Grill and the Marriott's Motion Bar and Grill. Read our detailed high tea guide here.

9. Treat yo'self

Don't let the miserable weather get you down, make the most of it and pamper yourself. Take treating yourself to the next level and visit Stephanie's Spa Retreat at the Sofitel for a massage, facial, manicure, or the whole lot.

You may have already ticked off many of these items without even realising - however it is very important that you finish the list. Spend your rainy day working on it - after all, 21 of the 63 must-eats are in the City! If you're a believer of the 'everything in moderation' philosophy, at least try the Kentucky Fried Duck (yes, KFD) from Public and the sandcrab lasagne from Il Centro.

12. See a live show

Brooklyn Standard

Nothing washes out the sound of rain quite like live music. Head to Brooklyn Standard, who host live music seven nights a week and specialise in jazz, funk and blues. For a bit of that ol' rock'n'roll, settle in at Sonny's House of Blues and if you're feeling particularly brave, have a go on open mic night.

13. Drink the day away

The Gresham

Kick back at one of the CBD's many bars and enjoy the sound of the rain with a drink in hand. Check out Australian Bartender Magazine's 2015 Bar of the Year The Gresham where the range of whiskies, high ceilings and chesterfield lounges ooze old-world charm. If you like a burger with your beer, pop next door to Red Hook in Gresham Lane for a selection of cocktails and both American and Australian beer and wine. If you're a fan of the cocktail jug or beer tower, look no further than Miss Kay's burger bar on George St.